Technology Advances in Senior Care may Increase Retirement Expenses
Submitted by MIRUS Financial Partners on January 10th, 2016As life expectancy continues to rise, we'll continue to see advances in technology that help us maintain a quality of life.
"The next-generation retiree will have an unprecedented array of technologies and tech-enabled services to invent a new future for working part-time, remaining social, having fun, living at home, staying healthy and arranging care," MIT AgeLab Director Joseph Coughlin recently wrote in The Wall Street Journal.
Health and wellness technologies may be helpful, but they'll certainly add expense. Make sure you factor in these types of additional expenses in your retirement budgets.
Here are a few innovations that health care professionals are anticipating:
Second Act Job Opportunities
According to a recent AARP study, nearly four in 10 Baby Boomers intend to work during retirement. If you're planning to work full-time or part-time, budget education for things like online courses to learn new tech skills, learn new programs, and acquire tech products or subscriptions that allow you to telecommute or to communicate with telecommuters.
Your post-retirement job plans might not include a desk job, but you'll still want a set of basic technology tools, like an up-to-date computer and good internet connection so you don't have to eliminate the ability to do things like sign up to become Uber drivers or rent space in your home through vacation rental services like Airbnb.
If you're not budgeting the sometimes pricey tech updates into your retirement budget, your choice of post-retirement job options will not only narrow, your earning potential will also be limited.
Keeping Up an Active Social Life
Technology will also be an important part of connecting with friends and family. While a phone may have been enough in the past, things like smartphones, face-time, texting, and Skyping are increasingly common. Your peers and your family are using these types of tech more often. Make sure you've budgeted enough to keep your data plans, internet, and devices up-to-date.
Staying mobile
Having the ability to get around independently is crucial to the quality of life as we age. While you may plan to keep your current vehicle as long as possible, the auto industry is working on innovations that may change your mind.
Features like automatic parking, collision warnings make it easier for retirees to drive safely longer. Many cars also offer features like blind-spot detection, built-in Wi-Fi, rear collision warnings, rearview camera cameras, and other features that make it easier and safer to drive. Being able to afford these kinds of add-ons will keep you driving safely longer.
The High Tech Future is Bright
While high tech adds expense, many innovations were developed to make your retirement years more productive, more connected and safer than ever before. When you make sure your retirement plan doesn't skimp on tech, you'll help ensure that retirement is a new, exciting period of life full of possibilities.
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Mark A. Vergenes is President of MIRUS Financial Partners, 110 E. King St., Lancaster, PA; 717-509-4521 or mark@mirusfinancialpartners.com Investment Advisor Representative offering securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC., member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. MIRUS Financial Partners nor Cetera Advisor Networks LLC. give tax or legal advice.